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Debate heats up over bill to exempt pre‑apprentices from prevailing wage on public works
Summary
Senate Bill 460 would exempt pre‑apprentices (including Job Corps participants) from prevailing‑wage requirements on public works. Supporters say the change removes a barrier to training placements; unions and building trades oppose the bill, saying it creates a loophole that could be exploited and undermine apprenticeships and safety.
A lengthy public hearing and debate on Senate Bill 460 highlighted deep divisions between workforce development advocates and unions over whether pre‑apprentices should be exempt from prevailing‑wage requirements on public works projects.
Senate Bill 460, sponsored by Senator Weber with Senator Anderson and Representative Jovida listed as co‑sponsors, would exempt workers who participate in pre‑apprenticeship programs from prevailing‑wage laws on public works procurements that the contracting agency advertises or enters into on or after the bill’s effective date (90 days following adjournment sine die). The bill was described to the committee as intended to remove an anomaly that requires Job Corps participants — who are not…
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